In 2019, the PMA Educational Foundation (PMAEF) wanted to help PMA members foster growth and promote metalforming careers in their communities. To achieve this, PMAEF created the Metalforming Micro-Grant Program.

The program provides funding to member companies that are implementing projects or programs to enhance the public’s experience and exposure to metalforming careers in collaboration with MFG Day. PMA members could receive $500 - $1,000 grants to host an MFG Day event.

2024 Program 6 PMA members receiving grants totaling $5,000

2023 Program 12 PMA members receiving grants totaling $11,000

2022 Program 13 PMA members receiving grants totaling $8,750

2021 Program 12 PMA members receiving grants totaling $11,500

2019 Program 14 PMA members received grants totaling $12,295

Below you’ll find 2023 micro-grant recipients and what they were able to accomplish with the micro-grants they received.

Ace Wire Spring & Form Co. - Second-Year Recipient

Location: McKees Rocks, PA

PMA Member Since: 2015

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Ace supports local communities and inspires young minds by offering factory tours that showcase careers in manufacturing. Through presentations and guided facility tours, students gain firsthand insight into the many opportunities the industry offers.

Enterprise Tool & Die - Third-Year Recipient

Location: Grandville, MI

PMA Member Since: 2008

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

In partnership with Kent County ISD, Enterprise Tool & Die hosted tours for local school districts to immerse students in the tool and die trade and explore career paths in manufacturing. In 2023, 14 school districts visited the Enterprise campus, with student groups ranging from 8th to 12th grade and up to 100 students per tour. These visits offered a hands-on look at the industry, including CNC machining and administrative roles.

Formtek, Inc. - Maine - Second-Year Recipient

Location: Clinton, ME

PMA Member Since: 1966

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Formtek invited students, local schools and the general public to tour its facility to explore different career paths in manufacturing.

Mid West Fabricating Co.

Location: Amanda, OH

PMA Member Since: 2022

Micro-Grant Amount: $500

Mid West Fabricating partnered with multiple schools to bring middle school and high school students in to tour its facility and hear about manufacturing careers throughout the entire week of MFG Day. The company also showed the students its CNC wireformers, robotic welders and robots in use, to entice students to learn about careers in manufacturing.

Mid-Park Corp.

Location: Leitchfield, KY

PMA Member Since: 2021

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Mid-Park Corp. hosted two Manufacturing Day events to connect students with local career opportunities—one for high school students and another for middle schoolers. These full-day events included tours of 4–6 local industries such as Bel Cheese, Mann Lake, Mid-Park, Plastikon, and Scotty’s, with lunch and t-shirts for high school participants. In partnership with the local Chamber of Commerce, this initiative aimed to inspire future workforce development by exposing students to the range of manufacturing careers available in Leitchfield, KY.

Location: Maple Grove, MN

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

PMA's Lone Star District participated in Manufacturing Day at the Plano Event Center, joining industry leaders to showcase career opportunities and innovations in modern manufacturing. This event connected students and job seekers with manufacturers through networking, live demos and employment matchmaking. With manufacturing careers offering high-earning potential, this powerful opportunity inspired and informed the next generation of skilled workers.

Principal Manufacturing - Second-Year Recipient

Location: Broadview, IL

PMA Member Since: 2008

Micro-Grant Amount: $500

Principal Manufacturing welcomed approximately 150 high school students to tour its facility. The event aimed to inspire future careers in manufacturing by showcasing Principal Manufacturing's operations and apprenticeship programs, while engaging students with branded lanyards, snacks and drinks.

Prospect Machine Products - Second-Year Recipient

Location: Prospect, CT

PMA Member Since: 2020

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Prospect Machine hosted a company tour in celebration of Manufacturing Day, welcoming students from Woodland Regional High School's manufacturing program. The tour offered students a hands-on look at real-world manufacturing—from order intake to final product shipment—highlighting the many roles involved in producing deep-drawn components. Prospect Machine's goal was to create an engaging and informative experience that inspired students and deepened their understanding of the industry.

PTM Corporation

Location: Ira Township, MI

PMA Member Since: 2022

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

PTM invited local school districts to its 72-acre campus for an immersive, hands-on experience that showcased the exciting world of manufacturing. Students teamed up with PTM employees to explore real-world applications—from using precision tools such as the Faro arm to assembling parts—while learning about career paths, educational opportunities and apprenticeships in manufacturing, engineering and skilled trades. Through these engaging tours, PTM aimed to spark student interest and position itself as a launchpad for future careers in the industry.

Reliable Metalcraft Corp.

Location: Mishawaka, IN

PMA Member Since: 2016

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Reliable Metalcraft aims to grow the 4-H Blacksmithing Club and inspire local youth to explore careers in metalforming and manufacturing. Hands-on educational materials were provided during a field trip to Reliable Metalcraft, where 4-H members gained real-world exposure to the precision metalforming industry. This program built practical skills, increased interest in manufacturing careers, and strengthened industry connections with the next generation of talent.

Select Industries Corp.

Location: Dayton, OH

PMA Member Since: 1995 (Resigned Jan. 2025)

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Select Industries hosted local high school students and community members to highlight the exciting career paths available in metalforming and manufacturing throughout the Dayton area. By participating in Manufacturing Day, the company aimed to raise awareness of skilled trades among youth and spark interest in future opportunities. Its goal was to inspire the next generation while attracting potential new hires or apprentices to support the region’s growing manufacturing workforce.

Stone City Products, Inc. - Second-Year Recipient

Location: Bedford, IN

PMA Member Since: 1976

Micro-Grant Amount: $1,000

Stone City Products participated in Manufacturing Week to inspire students—especially those previously unexposed to the field—to explore careers in manufacturing by encouraging enrollment in welding, automotive and machine trade programs at the North Lawrence Career Center. The long-term goals were to increase industry certifications and build a fully qualified workforce for advanced manufacturers in Lawrence and Orange Counties by 2030.